Meaning: This quote by Harold Bloom, a prominent literary critic and scholar, reflects his belief in the intrinsic poetic nature of literary criticism and academic analysis. In this statement, Bloom suggests that every approach or interpretation taken by a critic, scholar, or teacher when engaging with a poem is inherently poetic in nature. This assertion encapsulates Bloom's theory of poetic influence and the concept of the anxiety of influence, which has been a central theme in his work.

Bloom is known for his influential theories on literary criticism and his examination of the relationship between poets and their predecessors. One of his key concepts is the "anxiety of influence," which refers to the ways in which later poets are influenced by and struggle against the work of earlier influential poets. Bloom argues that poets are inevitably influenced by those who came before them, and this influence creates a sense of anxiety or even a desire to surpass the achievements of their predecessors.

In the quote, Bloom extends this idea beyond the realm of poetry to encompass the act of literary criticism itself. He suggests that the act of interpreting a poem, whether through analysis, critique, or teaching, inherently involves a poetic engagement with the text. This perspective aligns with Bloom's broader theory of the interconnectedness of poetic creation and interpretation, as well as his emphasis on the significance of individual creativity and originality in the face of literary tradition.

Bloom's assertion that every stance a critic, scholar, or teacher takes towards a poem is inevitably and necessarily poetic can be unpacked in several ways. Firstly, it underscores the idea that the act of engaging with a poem is not a purely objective or detached endeavor. Instead, it involves a subjective and creative response to the poetic expression, as the critic or scholar grapples with the text and seeks to convey its meaning and significance.

Furthermore, Bloom's statement highlights the creative and interpretive nature of literary analysis. It suggests that the process of critically engaging with a poem involves a form of imaginative and expressive engagement with the text, akin to the act of writing poetry itself. This aligns with Bloom's broader emphasis on the creative and transformative aspects of literary influence and interpretation.

Additionally, Bloom's assertion can be viewed as a challenge to traditional notions of literary criticism as a purely analytical and objective pursuit. By asserting the poetic nature of critical stances, Bloom invites a reevaluation of the role of subjectivity, creativity, and personal interpretation in the process of engaging with literature. This aligns with his broader critique of the "anxiety of influence" and the ways in which the creative individuality of poets and critics shapes their interactions with literary tradition.

In conclusion, Harold Bloom's quote encapsulates his perspective on the interconnectedness of poetic creation and interpretation. By asserting that every stance taken by a critic, scholar, or teacher towards a poem is inherently poetic, Bloom underscores the creative and subjective nature of literary analysis. This perspective reflects his broader theories on poetic influence and the anxiety of influence, inviting a reevaluation of the role of creativity and individual expression in the realm of literary criticism and scholarship.